Judd's commitment to remain with the Eagles is a softening of his earlier stance when he told the club he would wait until season's end before deciding on his future.

The recruiting focus of Victorian clubs is set to shift dramatically following the re-signing of Judd, who would have been the top target of all Victorian clubs had he chosen to return home.

Powerhouses Collingwood and Essendon headed the list of clubs keen to recruit Judd, who, in just two years, has become the competition's most explosive young midfielder.

His signature is a stunning coup for West Coast, which has a proud record of retaining players from out-of-state, particularly Victorians.

Judd had been the subject of more speculation - and drooling - than any young player in recent memory and had he chosen to return to Victoria the subsequent machinations would have driven the entire October trading period.

Club sources last night explained that the Judd re-signing would mean the focus would shift to other uncontracted players, such as the Western Bulldogs' trio of Nathan Brown, Robert Murphy and Daniel Giansiracusa (Luke Darcy is considered certain to re-sign), Port Adelaide's Nick Stevens and Brisbane's Luke Power.

Clubs will also turn their attention to contracted players who might be forced out for salary-cap reasons - as several name players were last year.

West Coast's effort in signing Judd to a discounted contract is significant, considering that Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews suggested that the 20-year-old midfielder was worth $500,000 a season, the type of money Matthews said should be reserved for "franchise" type players.

The Judd re-signing follows the club's recontracting of skipper Ben Cousins, who made clear that he was willing to sacrifice money if it enhanced the Eagles' chances of retaining their best young player.

Judd was recruited with the third pick overall in the stellar 2001 draft, behind only Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) and Luke Ball (St Kilda).

He finished third in West Coast's best and fairest in his first season last year and, by improving this year, has joined the elite bracket of AFL midfielders.

Judd is among the quickest players in the game and also possesses remarkable evasive skills and poise.

His game-breaking ability was underscored most dramatically when he booted five goals in the first half of West Coast's victory over Brisbane at the Gabba in round 12.